We are sad to announce that Reds striker Ash Kelly has suffered a major setback during his recovery from a long-term lay-off.

We are sad to announce that Reds striker Ash Kelly has suffered a major setback during his recovery from a long-term lay-off.

A reoccurrence of the injury he picked up in training a full year ago, which saw him tear his Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus as well as fracture a small bone in his knee, has lead to Ash being advised not to continue playing football.

The club will continue to support local lad Ash during his extended rehabilitation period, giving him the help he needs on the road to being fit and healthy.

Just last month, Kelly came back to light training with the first-team, working with physios Ronan Irving and Caitlin Gribbon in hope of returning to footballing action in the New Year.

On the devastating setback, Kelly said: “It’s gutting to be advised not to play football again when I’m 25.

“Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it and I’ll be having my operation in two weeks.”

Ash added some good news, saying: “I’ve just got got to focus on getting back on my feet because my partner and I are expecting in the New Year!

“I’ve wished all of the lads well for the season and thanked Danny and everyone at the club for all their help since I’ve been here.”

Manager Danny Grainger also told us: “Since I came in, Ash has been a player we always thought highly of.

“We felt like we could really develop him into a first-team player.

“We were really disappointed with his injury last year when we thought he was starting to hit a bit of form.

“Unfortunately, he’s had the reoccurrence and obviously, it’s really disappointing to hear the news.

“Ash is a great lad and he’s showed nothing but 100% commitment ever since we’ve come in.

“Ruddy and I can’t thank him enough and we’ll be standing right by him during his recovery.”

The gaffer continued: “We’re also wishing him and his partner the best, not only for the injury, but with the little one due.

“We’ll be talking to Ash in-depth over the next few weeks to see if there’s anything else we can do.

“Myself, Ruddy and everyone at the club will be trying to help him as much as possible for anything he wants to do in football going forward.”

Join us in wishing Ash a safe and speedy recovery!